Stellate Ganglion Block

A stellate ganglion block is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure used to treat sympathetic nerve–related pain affecting the head, neck, chest, and upper extremities. The injection delivers local anesthetic to the stellate ganglion, a bundle of sympathetic nerves located on either side of the voice box in the lower neck.

Stellate ganglion injections are commonly used to treat Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), nerve injuries, and circulation-related pain disorders.

What Is a Stellate Ganglion Block?

A stellate ganglion block involves injecting local anesthetic near the stellate ganglion to temporarily interrupt sympathetic nerve signaling.

The procedure may be performed for:

  • Diagnostic purposes – to confirm sympathetically maintained pain
  • Therapeutic purposes – to reduce pain and improve circulation

Patients often experience reduced pain, improved mobility, and decreased swelling after the injection. A series of injections spaced 1–2 weeks apart may provide longer-lasting relief.

Conditions Treated

Stellate ganglion blocks are effective for:

  • Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) Type I
  • Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) Type II
  • Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD)
  • Causalgia
  • Herpes zoster (shingles) affecting the upper body
  • Phantom limb pain
  • Sympathetically maintained pain
  • Circulatory disorders of the upper extremities

This procedure is particularly beneficial for patients with nerve-related pain in the face, head, neck, chest, or arms.

Symptoms of Sympathetic Nerve Dysfunction

Patients who may benefit from a stellate ganglion block often experience:

  • Burning pain in the arm or hand
  • Swelling of the upper extremity
  • Skin color changes
  • Excessive sweating
  • Cold sensitivity
  • Persistent pain after nerve injury

These symptoms are commonly associated with CRPS and other sympathetic nerve disorders.

Table of Contents

How the Procedure Is Performed

Stellate ganglion blocks are performed in an outpatient setting and typically take about 30 minutes.

The procedure includes:

  1. Administration of intravenous medication for relaxation if needed
  2. Cleansing and sterilizing the skin over the lower neck
  3. Positioning a thin needle under fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance
  4. Injecting local anesthetic near the stellate ganglion

Patients are monitored briefly and discharged the same day.

Benefits of Stellate Ganglion Block

  • Rapid reduction in nerve-related pain
  • Improved blood flow to the upper extremities
  • Decreased swelling and sweating abnormalities
  • Minimally invasive outpatient procedure
  • Improved mobility and function
  • Decreased need for systemic pain medications

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a stellate ganglion block relieve pain?

The injection delivers local anesthetic near the stellate ganglion to interrupt sympathetic nerve activity, reducing pain, swelling, and circulation-related symptoms.

The procedure typically takes about 30 minutes and is performed in an outpatient setting under imaging guidance.

Some patients experience pain relief within minutes. Depending on the condition, a series of injections may be needed for longer-lasting results.

Temporary drooping of the eyelid (Horner’s syndrome), hoarseness, or mild neck soreness may occur and usually resolve within hours.

Begin your journey to recovery.

Reach out to our specialists to schedule an initial consultation. We’ll carefully review your symptoms and match you with the right expert for your specific condition.

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